Preview - ITU Cross Duathlon

Wednesday will be my second international race this year. The ITU World Cross Duathlon Age Group Championships in Ibiza.

This is actually my best chance for a decent finish this year as it is a much smaller field and is likely to be a much tighter race. There are 17 registered in my age-group for this race. I haven't seen the course yet but I expect a fitness based bike course rather than anything particularly technical. 

I have only raced one ITU Cross Duathlon before so I am basically racing against my performance from Targu Mures last year. 


Here are my targets for this one:

0. Don't get injured. 

    I still have another race after this one. I am more interested in finishing all three than doing well at one. 

1. Don't crash or break the bike.

    I could potentially crash but not fail at target 0. And my rear hanger is cracked and I am not sure if the replacement will arrive before I leave. Hopefully none of that will result in a crash or critical mechanical. 

2. Race well. 

    Again, not very specific, but basically I just want to come away without having a sulk about how I swam, rode or ran.

3. Finish with my average percentage at this level. Finish with my best percentage at this level. 

    I finished at 86% in my previous ITU Cross Duathlon. That would have me finish in 15th place. 

4. Prequalify for 2024

    To do that I would need to finish top-10 overall and top-3 GBR. Both are a big ask. And this is a bit of a meaningless target as I can't afford to go to Australia next year anyway. But it would put me in a good place to argue about Euros selection for 2024.

5. Finish in my average place at this level. Finish in my best place at this level. 

    Maybe the field is broadly equivalent quality to previous races but just more slow athletes to bulk it out. My average place is also my best place 6th, that seem like a very big ask.

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